School of Medicine shines at 2026 Show Me Research Week

Each spring at the University of Missouri, students and postdoctoral fellows from every discipline gather for one large celebration of research and creative activity. Show Me Research Week includes oral presentations, poster presentations and art showcases, giving students an invaluable experience and opportunity to display their work.

This year, more than 430 students presented a research project. Of that total, 45 projects were represented by the Mizzou School of Medicine. Each presenter partners with a faculty mentor, providing valuable insight and guidance throughout the research process.

Learn more about three of the Mizzou School of Medicine-affiliated projects and the representatives’ experience during their collaboration:

Student: Alaina Davis – Undergraduate Senior – Health Sciences Major 
Mentor: Rajiv R. Mohan, PhD

“Myosin Light Chain Kinase (MLCK) is Linked to Corneal Myofibroblast Contractile Activity”

This study looked at how the eye heals after injury by focusing on cells that help repair damaged tissue. Researchers examined whether a protein called MLCK plays a key role in helping these cells contract and close wounds, and how it interacts with other cellular signals. The findings suggest that a specific signaling pathway involving MLCK helps control this process, making it an important factor in how the cornea heals after injury.

“I’m incredibly grateful for Dr. Mohan's mentorship, and his support was invaluable in helping me grow as a student researcher and in shaping my professional development,” said Davis. “Learning from him strengthened my confidence in the lab and his guidance was one of the most meaningful parts of my undergraduate experience.”

“As a mentor, it was thrilling to witness Alaina’s growth from doing benchwork to becoming an emerging scientist by spearheading her project and presenting her findings,” said Mohan. “Mentoring her was a very enjoyable experience. Alaina is talented, detailed orientated, dedicated to experimental rigor and open to critiques, which will be instrumental to fulfilling her goal of becoming a future physician.”

Student: Platinum Liang – Undergraduate Junior – Health Science (Pre-Professional) Major 
Mentor: Jaume Padilla, PhD, and Marc Augenreich, MS

“The iRhom2-ADAM17 Axis as a Mechanism of Endothelial Inflammation and eNOS Regulation”

This study explored why people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease. Researchers found that inflammation in the body can trigger a self-reinforcing cycle inside blood vessel cells. Specifically, one inflammatory signal increases proteins that further promote inflammation and damage normal blood vessel function. This ongoing cycle may worsen blood vessel health over time, helping explain the higher risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes.

“I had an amazing time working with Marc and I’m extremely grateful of his mentorship,” said Liang. “He helped engage me in high-level scientific thinking and hands-on experience that deepened my appreciation and understanding of the scientific process. Participating in Show Me Research Week with Marc's guidance helped me both grow professionally and gain valuable skills for my future career and goals.”

“Platinum was a proactive student to mentor, possessing a great enthusiasm to learn and apply critical thinking to experimental protocols and his presentation,” said Augenreich. “It was a pleasure to support him as he showcased his findings to his peers and be rewarded for his efforts.”

Student: Lara Stefani – Undergraduate Senior – Biochemistry Major 
Mentor: Aaron Stoker, PhD

“Effects of Elderberry and Soybean Polyphenols on Osteoarthritic Cartilage”

This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations of elderberry and soybean metabolic extracts on the inflammatory and degradative responses of osteoarthritic cartilage. The extracts appear to target unique, non-overlapping, pathways in the cartilage tissue, indicating that a combined treatment could improve treatment efficacy than either treatment alone.

“Dr. Stoker was the most supportive mentor I could have asked for, and it was a joy to work with him,” said Stefani. “His dedication to the project, as well as one-on-one guidance and orientation made this process much more enriching and a thorough learning experience. Dr. Stoker really values his students' efforts and ideas, and encourages us to face challenges, harness collaboration and hard work in our pursuits.”

“It was great to watch Lara grow as a researcher over the years, and it’s not surprising that she was selected as one of the award winners at this year’s Show Me Research Week,” said Stoker. “I’m excited to see all that she will accomplish as she continues to grow as a scientist in graduate school.”